Jack



May 28, 1963 L. ARNES ETAL JACK 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 17, 1959 /5 INVENTORS fis /yard f Zhm mm 5y 0%) y 1953 L. ARNES ETAL 3,091,431

JACK

Filed April 17, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 5 MT PW Erm V 6 n M M 0 5% n V, 5

3,091,431 JACK Lyle L. Arnes and Bernard J. Zimmerman, Racine, Wis.,

assignors, by mesne assignments, to Walker Manufacturing Company, Racine, Wis., a corporation of Delaware Filed Apr. 17, 1959, Ser. No. 807,116 6 Claims. (Cl. 254-2 This invention relates to hydraulic jacks, and more particularly to jacks adapted to lift automotive vehicles by engagement with the bumper brackets or face bars.

It is an object of the invention to provide a novel and improved hydraulic vehicle jack of a columnar type which is especially adapted to accommodate modern-day automotive vehicles having varying bumper shapes, some of which have a swept-back configuration.

It is another object to provide an improved jack of this nature which is adapted to firmly engage any of various types of bumper face bar and bumper bracket surfaces on automotive vehicles, and which may efliciently lift one end or one corner of a vehicle while eliminating the possibility of distorting the adjacent bumper through undesired contact with the jack column.

It is a further object to provide an improved vehicle jack construction of this character having novel means for actuating the pump which means also serves to facilitate jack maneuverability.

It is also an object to provide an improved jack of this nature having novel means for releasing and lowering the jack which greatly improves the safety of operation.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a suitable embodiment of the novel hydraulic jack of this invention, the jack being shown in its lowered position;

FIGURE 2 is a front elevational view of the jack;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary top plan view in perspective showing the means for adjusting the bumper clearance;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view in elevation of the lifting beam and saddles;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary elevational view in cross section of the upper end of the jack taken along the line 55 of FIGURE 2 and showing the connection between the pump handle and pump link;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of portions of the jack in the Vicinity of the upper end of the column, parts being broken away for clarity;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary elevational view of a portion of the lifting beam showing a modified form of the invention; and

FIGURE 8 is an end elevational view of the structure of FIGURE 7.

In general terms, the illustrated embodiment of the jack comprises a horizontal wheeled base at one end of which is secured a vertical column, a vertically disposed piston and cylinder being enclosed within this column. The hydraulic fluid motor construction in itself does not form part of the present invention, but may be similar to that shown in copending application Serial No. 519,884, filed July 5, 1955, now Patent No. 2,973,184 and assigned to the assignee of the present application. The upper end of the piston rod is connected to a pair of downwardly extending tension links which support a lifting frame movable between upper and lower positions. A lifting beam is secured to the outer end of this frame and extends transversely thereto, the lifting beam having a novel wide angle V-shaped construction. Adjustably mounted on the beam are a pair of lifting saddle assemblies, the arrangement being such that as the lifting saddle assemblies are moved along the beam their distance from the jack column will be varied. In this manner, the jack may be adjusted to accommodate vehicles having bumpers of varying sizes and configurations. Novel means are also provided for permitting rotatable adjustment of the lifting saddles, as well as adjustment of their height relative to the beam.

The pump handle comprises an L-shaped bar having a shorter end rotatably supported at the upper end of the jack column so that the longer end can be used both for pumping purposes and for maneuvering the jack into position. A safety detent member of novel U-shaped construction is rotatably mounted on the shorter end of the pump handle member and is engageable with the tension links to insure safe jack lowering.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the jack is generally indicated at 1'1 and comprises a base generally indicated at 12 and a column '13. As best seen in FIGURE 3, base 12 is of generally triangular shape and comprises a pair of side frame members 14 the inner ends of which are secured to the lower end of column 13. The outer ends of members 14 are connected by a cross member 15 which carries a caster wheel 16, the caster being supported by a hook-shaped bracket 17 mounted on member 15 by a bolt 18 and a spring 19. This construction is similar to that described in the aforementioned copending application and permits engagement of cross member 15 with the ground when a load is applied to the jack. A pair of wheels 21 are rotatably supported by an axle 22 mounted at the lower end of column 13.

The hydraulic unit comprises a cylinder 23 shown partially in FIGURE 5, and a piston rod 24 which extends through an aperture '25 in a cover 26 of column 13, the column having a square or rectangular crosssectional shape in the illustrated embodiment. The forward end of cover 26 has a downturned flange 27 secured to the upper end of column 13 by bolts 28. A release valve (not shown) is operable by a rotatable release rod 29, the upper end of which is shown in FIG- URE 5, this rod extending through cover 26 and having a turnable lever 31 of inverted U shape secured to the upper end thereof. A guide bracket 32 is located within the upper end of column 13 for the hydraulic unit.

The upper end of piston rod 24 has a crosshead 33 to the outer ends of which are secured a pair of tension links 34, as seen in FIGURE 2. These links extend downwardly alongside column 13, and a lifting frame generally indicated at 35 is secured to the lower ends of the links. As seen in FIGURES 3 and 4, lifting frame 35 comprises a pair of upper frame members 36 and a pair of lower frame members 37, each pair of frame members being in substantially parallel relation. Frame members 36 extend past column 13, and a roller 38 is secured by a pin 39 to the rear ends of these frame members so as to engage surface 41 of column 13. The rear ends of frame members 37 similarly carry a roller 42 which engages the forward surface 43 of the column along a line substantially below the line of engagement of roller 38 with the column. In this manner, the lifting frame will be firmly supported for movement along the column. A tie plate '44 is preferably secured between frame members 36 and 37 for strengthening purposes.

A lifting beam 45 is secured to the forward ends of frame members 36 and 37, these frame members extending toward each other as seen in FIGURE 1. Lifting beam 45 is preferably of rectangular or square tubular cross-sectional shape, as seen in FIGURE 1, and has a Wide V-shaped configuration when viewed from above, as seen in FIGURE 3. Although the exact size of the included angle between the two sides of beam 45 is not critical, this angle is so selected as to provide a substantial variation in distance between the inner and outer portions of the beam and jack column 13. In other words, as seen in FIGURE 3, the normal distance A between the jack column and the center of lifting beam 45 is substantially less than the distance B between either outer end of lifting beam and the jack column. Preferably, the total length of lifting beam 45 is substantially greater than the widest portion of base 12.

A pair of lifting saddle assemblies generally indicated at 46 are slidably and removably mounted on lifting beam 45. Each lifting saddle assembly comprises a tubular member 47 adapted to fit telescopically over lifting beam 45, as seen in FIGURE 1. The lower portions of these tubular members are recessed as indicated at 48 in FIGURE 2, and cotter pins 49 are provided in the outer lower ends of beam 45 for preventing inadvertent removal of the lifting saddle assemblies. It will be noted that the non-circular cross-sectional shapes of beam 45 and tubular members 47 will prevent rotation of members 47 about the beam axis.

Each member 47 has a post 51 secured to the outer end thereof, and a sleeve 52 is rotatably mounted on this post. The sleeve carries a saddle 53 having a central portion adapted to engage the underside of a vehicle bumper bracket or bumper face bar, and a pair of downwardly and inwardly extending side portions secured to the lower end of sleeve 52. It will be noted that sleeve 52 together with saddle 53 may be rotated a full 360 degrees into any desired position. It should also be observed that by removing members 47 from beam 45 and reversing the lifting saddle assemblies on the beam, saddles 53 may be located relatively close to each other, as shown in dot-dash lines in FIGURE 3.

The pump handle construction is best seen in FIG- URES and 6, the pump handle being generally indicated at 54 and comprising a rod having a relatively short section 55 rotatably mounted in the upper end of column 13 behind tension links 34, and a relatively long handle portion 56. The handle may be fabricated of a single piece of round stock, and bushings 57 are secured to the upper end of column 13 for supporting handle portion 55. A pump lever 58 is secured to the center of handle portion 55, this lever being pin-connected to a pump link 59 which extends downwardly to a pump 60 in the lower end of column 13. It will thus be seen that by rocking handle 56 the pump may be operated to lift the jack, the handle being swingable between an upper portion, as shown in dot-dash lines in FIGURE 1 and a lower position. In its stored position, as seen in solid lines in FIGURE 1, handle 56 will hang down parallel to column 13. The handle may be held outwardly so as to maneuver the jack into position, the manner of connecting the handle to the jack column facilitating its use for this purpose.

A safety detent member 61 of U-shaped construction is rockably mounted on portion 55 of handle 54. Member 61 has a central portion disposed behind column 13 and a pair of leg portions having apertures 62 through which handle portion 55 extends. The forward ends of detent member 61 are provided with detent surfaces 63 adapted to be received by rectangular notches 64 formed at spaced intervals along the rearward edges of tension links 34. A coil spring 65 is mounted on handle portion 55 and has one end 66 mounted in an aperture in column 13 and the other end 67 engageable with the underside of detent member 61 so as to urge the detent member clockwise, as seen in FIGURE 1, toward its dot-dash line position. When in this position, detent surfaces 63 will enter notches 64 to prevent downward movement of the tension links. When detent member 61 isswung counterclockwise to its solid line position in FIGURE 1, tension links 34 will be released.

In operation, jack 11 will be maneuvered underneath the front or rear of a vehicle with lifting frame 35 in its lower position, as seen in FIGURE 1. This maneuvering may be achieved at least in part by manipulation of handle 54. Before rolling the jack under the vehicle, lifting saddle assemblies 46 may be properly set on lifting beam 45 in accordance with individual requirements. For example, if the configuration of the vehicle and the adjacent bumper is such that a relatively great distance must exist between column 13 and saddle assemblies 46, the saddle assemblies may be moved toward the outer portions of lifting beam 45. If, on the other hand, the portions of the bumper face bar or bumper brackets to be engaged are relatively close to the vehicle end, as defined by the bumper, lifting saddle assemblies 46 may be moved closer to the center of lifting beam 45. In any position, of course, the strength of the lifting beam is such that the full loads on the lifting saddle assemblies may be supported. In adjusting the lifting saddle assemblies to suit the individual conditions, the assernblies may be removed from lifting beam 45 and reversed on the beam, and each individual saddle may be rotated to any position on its post 51 so as to provide a firm lifting contact. Sufiicient distance will, of course, be left between the bumper and column 13 to prevent the possibility of accidentally denting or distorting the bumper through engagement with the jack.

After the lifting saddle assemblies have been adjusted and the jack inserted under the vehicle, lifting frame 35 may be lifted by reciprocation of handle 54, this causing link 59 to operate pump 60. As piston rod 24 is extended upwardly, tension links 34 will be lifted to cause lifting of frame 35. Rollers 38 and 42 will engage and roll upon column 13 during this movement so that the load will be fully supported. As notches 64 pass portions 63 of detent 61, the detent will rock on handle portion 55.

When the proper height has been reached, pumping will be stopped and detent portions 63 permitted to enter a pair of notches 64 on links 34, spring 65 urging the detent into position.

When it is desired to lower the jack, it may be raised slightly until detent 61 is free to be swung counterclockwise in FIGURE 1 to release the tension links. Release lever 31 may then be rotated to open the release valve and permit the jack to be lowered, detent 61 being held in its released position during this movement. Lowering of the jack is thus accomplished in a safe and efficient manner, three separate movements being necessary before lowering will take place.

FIGURES 7 and 8 illustrate another form of lifting saddle assembly which is generally similar to that previously described but which includes means for vertically adjusting the saddle on its support. The assembly comprises a supporting member 101 of tubular shape as in the previous embodiment, adapted to fit telescopically over the lifting beam. The post 102 secured to the outer end of supporting member 101 is provided with two pairs of aligned apertures 103 and 104, the two pairs of apertures being vertically spaced. Sleeve 105 is rotatably mounted on post 102 and carries a lifting saddle 106 secured thereto. A chain 107 is secured to saddle 106 and carries a pin 108 at the outer end thereof, this pin being receivable by either pair of apertures 103 or 104. In this manner, any of three different heights of saddle 106 may be selected. With pin 108 removed from the apertures, the saddle will be in its lowermost position as shown in dot-dash lines in FIGURE 7. With the pin inserted in the lower pair of apertures 103, the saddle will be at an intermediate height as shown in solid lines. If the pin is inserted in the upper pair of apertures 104, saddle 106 will be supported at its highest position as shown in double dot-dash lines. The lifting saddles may thus be adjusted to suit various clearances and heights of the vehicle lifting portions.

While it will be apparent that the embodiments of the invention herein disclosed are well calculated to fulfill the objects of the invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variations and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a jack, a base, a column extending upwardly from said base, a pump and reciprocable fluid motor within said column, a lifting frame movably mounted on said column, tension link means connecting the upper end of said reciprocating motor with said lifting frame, a pump handle having a portion rotatably mounted at the upper end of said column, means connecting said pump handle portions with said pump, safety detent means rockably mounted on said pump handle portion, detent surfaces on said tension link means, and spring means urging said detent into engagement with said surfaces.

2. In a jack, a base, a column extending upwardly from said base, a pump and reciprocable fluid motor Within said column, a lifting frame movably mounted on said column, tension link means connecting the upper end of said reciprocating motor with said lifting frame, a pump handle having a portion rotatably mounted at the upper end of said column, means connecting said pump handle portion with said pump, a detent comprising a U-shaped member, the outer legs of said member being rotatably mounted on said handle portion, detent surfaces on the outer ends of said legs, detent surfaces on said tension link means, and spring means urging said detent toward a position in which its detent surfaces engage the detent surfaces of said tension link means to prevent downward movement of said lifting frame.

3. In a jack, a base, a column extending upwardly from said base, a pump and reciprocable fluid motor within said column, a lifting frame movably mounted on said column, tension link means connecting the upper end of said reciprocating motor with said lifting frame, a pump handle comprising an angularly bent rod with a relatively short portion rotatably mounted at the upper end of said column, means connecting said pump handle portion with said pump, a detent comprising a U-shaped member, the outer legs of said member being rotatably mounted on said handle portion, detent surfaces on the outer ends of said legs, detent surfaces on said tension link means, and spring means urging said detent toward a position in which its detent surfaces engage the detent surfaces of said tension link means to prevent downward movement of said lifting frame.

4. In a jack of the type having a base, a column ex tending upwardly from said base, and a pump and reciprocable fluid motor within said column, a lifting frame movably mounted on said column, tension link means connecting the upper end of said reciprocating motor with said lifting frame, a pump handle comprising an angularly bent rod with a relatively short portion rotatably mounted at the upper end of said column, means connecting said pump handle portion with said pump, a detent comprising a U-shaped member, the outer legs of said member being rotatably mounted on said handle portion, detent surfaces on the outer ends of said legs, detent surfaces on said tension link means, spring means urging said detent toward a position in which its detent surfaces engage the detent surfaces of said tension link means to prevent downward movement of said lifting frame, a lifting beam secured to said lifting frame and spaced from said column, and a pair of load-engaging members movably mounted on said lifting beam, said lifting beam having oppositely extending portions inclined away from said column whereby the distance between said column and a plane passing through said long-engaging members may be varied.

5. In a jack of the type having a base, a column extending upwardly from said base, and a lifting frame movably mounted on said column and extending toward one side thereof, a lifting beam having a central portion mounted on the outer end of said lifting frame, the outer ends of said beam being inclined away from said column, said lifting beam having a noncircular cross-sectional shape, a pair of saddle supports of complementary crosssectional shape slidably mounted on the outer ends of said beam, a pair of lifting saddles, and means for mounting each lifting saddle on each of said saddle supports in an infinite number of angularly spaced positions.

6. In a jack of the type having a base, a column extending upwardly from said base, and a lifting frame movably mounted on said column and extending toward one side thereof, a pump and fluid motor within said column, means connecting said motor with said lifting frame, a pump handle comprising a bent rod having a shorter portion rotatably mounted in the upper end of said column and a longer portion extending from said column, link means connecting the shorter portion of said handle with said pump, whereby the pump may be actuated by reciprocation of said handle, a lifting beam having a central portion mounted on the outer end of said lifting frame, the outer ends of said beam being inclined away from said column, said lifting beam having a noncircular cross-sectional shape, a pair of saddle supports of complementary cross-sectional shape slidably mounted on the outer ends of said beam, a pair of lifting saddles, and means for mounting each lifting saddle on each of said saddle supports in an infinite number of angularly spaced positions.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,564,111 Kimball Aug. 14, 951 2,726,777 Wiley Dec. 13, 1955 2,805,839 Branick Sept. 10, 1957 2,895,712 Stovern et al. July 21, 1959 2,903,258 Jovanovich Sept. 8, 1959 2,909,358 Southerwick Oct. 20, 1959 2,947,513 Nolden et a1 Aug. 2, 1960 2,974,490 Hott Mar. 4, 1961 

1. IN A JACK, A BASE, A COLUMN EXTENDING UPWARDLY FROM SAID BASE, A PUMP AND RECIPROCABLE FLUID MOTOR WITHIN SAID COLUMN, A LIFTING FRAME MOVABLY MOUNTED ON SAID COLUMN, TENSION LINK MEANS CONNECTING THE UPPER END OF SAID RECIPROCATING MOTOR WITH SAID LIFTING FRAME, A PUMP HANDLE HAVING A PORTION ROTATABLY MOUNTED AT THE UPPER END OF SAID COLUMN, MEANS CONNECTING SAID PUMP HANDLE PORTIONS WITH SAID PUMP, SAFETY DETENT MEANS ROCKABLY MOUNTED ON SAID PUMP HANDLE PORTION, DETENT SURFACES ON SAID TENSION LINK MEANS, AND SPRING MEANS URGING SAID DETENT INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID SURFACES. 